Calculations that determine how much space copy will occupy when typeset.
“Casting off” refers to when a book has been fully created in terms of margins, gutters, and type by its typesetter. This step serves as the last stage before printing begins and allows publishers to gain an accurate representation of how the printed copy will look once completed.
A typesetter will usually create several versions of a cast off with different margins and gutters, so the publisher has several choices from which they can select the version they think looks best.
Once approved by a publisher, a book can go to print.
Cast off is the final stage in typesetting a book before it goes to print. Text determines how many pages the book will have and calculates printer margins.
Cast off is also known as “setting off” or “calculating pagination.”
There are two approaches to casting off: measuring and estimating.
With this method, a typesetter takes physical measurements of a book’s text block (the text width on each page without including margins). They then divide this figure by characters per line to approximate lines per page before further dividing this number by inches to estimate pages in their book.
Under this approach, a typesetter takes an approximate look at a book’s text and estimates the characters per line, lines per page, and total pages.
Both approaches are estimates; the actual page count can differ slightly from estimates.
Cast off is designed to give the printer an estimate of how many pages will make up a book so they can set margins accordingly and print.
Cast Off’s significance cannot be understated; it plays an essential role in books and publishing. Through Cast Off authors can get their work out there while readers discover exciting books!
Cast Off is an invaluable resource for both authors and readers. Authors can promote their work while readers discover new, captivating books.